“Don’t lift heavy things,” they said.
“Be careful not to play any sports in which you could hurt your back,” they warned.
“Walking is probably your best exercise,” they offered.

But immediately after surgery, and the horrific pain and recovery that ensued, Sara decided that wasn’t enough.

“I wanted to get strong. I wanted to know my body. I had felt betrayed by it ever since age 11, when a nurse at school found my spinal curve. The next 6 years of my life were spent in and out of specialists’ offices. ‘You can’t play sports; you likely have a heart defect; we need to do more tests; you need to wear a back brace; don’t do this; don’t do that.’

The medical establishment taught me to fear my body, to battle against its apparent ill-will by trying to contain it with some flimsy brace and extreme precautionary measures. Never once did they help me understand how I could help adjust my spinal curve with movement and strength training. Never once did they tell me how I could exercise my heart muscles to make those stronger, too. They acted as though my body was here to make my life hell, and I believed them.”

But once out of surgery, clarity came. Sara was struck with the notion that she had survived that massive trauma—and maybe her body wasn’t out to get her after all.

“And that was the moment I knew: I wanted to learn about this amazing thing that was keeping me alive to see another day, and I wanted to help it do its job the best I could. Hunks of metal in my back? Who cares: I was going to love my body and let it have some fun in this life.”

Twenty years later, Sara is helping people just like you do the same. Some face even bigger obstacles than Sara did, but all of them emerge after working with Sara as empowered individuals capable of not only eliminating physical pain and honoring their bodies’ needs, but downright loving their bodies and all of the incredible things of which they are capable.

“I see so many people in confusion and pain, struggling incessantly against perceived obstacles to their success, thinking their pain is inevitable. But I am living proof that you can do whatever you want with your body and it doesn’t have to be in pain—you just have to learn how to work with the system as it is designed. That’s what I have done, that’s how I have succeeded, and that is what I teach. It’s an incredibly empowering process that excites me to this day.”

Glowing Reviews for Sara

“Dear Sara: You have given me hope that having lower back problems does not necessarily mean that Yoga Asanas are out of question. My previous attempts to resume my Yoga practice more or less always ended up in re-injury of my back. [Yoga without Back Pain] is the first series of Yoga classes where my back has not only not been injured, but felt better after class.
Thanks for specializing in the back, I know so many people who could benefit [from your instruction].
” – P.J.

“After 35 years of being a professional musician, sitting hunched over the guitar for many hours each day, I grudgingly accepted back pain and stiffness as a constant. In just three classes Sara has given me techniques to alleviate the pain as well as an instinctive knowledge of how to position my spine while playing [guitar] that feels incredibly free and healthy.” – David B.

“Sara: Thank you for your wonderful workshop "You Really Can Be Back Pain Free." As a runner, I find that a lot of the exercises and stretches you taught will reduce my risk of injury. As a personal trainer and fitness manager, I have already implemented some of what I learned into my own practice. I would love to send my staff to you for further training in the future. Thank you so much for your instruction and enthusiasm. ” – Carolyn M.

“I dragged myself [to Sara's workshop] while experiencing great pain in my low back, hips, legs, and entire midsection, but sauntered out an hour later feeling like I could do cartwheels!!! My entire mood and outlook changed as well.” – Jennifer H.

“Sara is an outstanding motivator who uses verbal and nonverbal coaching to guide and support. She is upbeat, approachable, and supportive. I continue to use the skills I learned from Sara to meet my personal goals. I would work with Sara again without hesitation.” – Beth L.

“Sara is amazing! If I could recommend her to everyone, I would. Her [back care] methods give real results you can feel instantly.” – Rachael S.

“Sara's teaching style is appealing and accessible. She seems to really get what I need and just zone in on giving that to me. I'd been looking for a way to stop my back pain for 5 years, and Sara taught me the way to solve the problem in 2 sessions. Plus, because of her help, I am wearing jeans and tops that had been gathering dust for months. I could not have done this without you, Sara Hauber!” – Alicia S.

“Within one week of meeting Sara Hauber, I realized I had started an amazing journey. After five weeks I didn't want to quit! Instead I wanted to see what else I could accomplish. I could go on and on about what I learned from Sara--lessons that have become part of my being. I recommend Sara Hauber wholeheartedly.” – Julie B.

“Sara, I can't thank you enough. I've learned more about my body in the months I've worked with you than I've learned in my 32 years on this earth. You gave me the courage to challenge myself,
and for that I will be forever grateful and will never forget you. Thank you.” – Tina S.

“I have been a triathlete for the past fifteen years. The day after a race usually finds my hip flexors screaming at me in a less-than-friendly way. Thankfully, I took Sara's Yoga Without Back Pain workshop after I did the Chicago Triathlon. I used the handful of poses I learned from Sara--and applied her tips for doing them correctly--and I had none of the usual post-race aches or soreness. Thanks to Sara, there's now a method to my stretching madness!” – Michael L.